Mari studied design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles. She is a costume designer and instructor at a Community College in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2008 Mari designed the National Barbie convention doll “Joie de Vivre” (The Joy of Life) with Mattel’s lead designer, Robert Best. She is a published author of the pattern book “Vintage Clothing for the Fashion Doll.”

Mari has been married for 37 years and has two adult sons. When she is not working Mari enjoys travel, doll design and fiber arts. She plans to retire in Normandy, France in a few years with her husband Doug.